MATIC (Malaysia Tourist information Center)Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GRhmS9DnDzt6eKeRA
Website: https://www.matic.gov.my/en/
You can get tourism information here. And they often have music and cultural performances. There’s a good schedule of their upcoming events and performances on their website.
The National Museum of Malaysia (Muzium Negara)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/a4tYbAnNRngfRHPY7
Website: https://www.muziumnegara.gov.my/en
This is an excellent and somewhat informal and approachable national museum. It’s all about the history of Malaysia going way back to the beginnings of human civilization. It’s very informative and laidback and easy to get to. And very affordable at 5 ringgit.
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (Muzium Kesenian Islam Malaysia)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tVai8S5zDBAvQrJ87
Website: https://iamm.org.my/
This is a rare and special museum that you won’t find anywhere else. A beautiful building with beautiful displays of the art of the Islamic world. A bit pricier, maybe, at 20 ringgit for foreigners.
Batu Caves
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8CCszKh9TUEiv5qi6
The Batu Caves is an attraction that hardly needs to be listed. It is one of the most popular places for visitors. It is special for what it is but also because it is located practically inside the heart of a major city. You don’t have to travel hundreds of kilometers to visit this fascinating set of limestone cliffs, caves, and Hindu temples. You can get there by local train (the KTM) or easily by Grab. While there, don’t forget about the Ramayana Cave in addition to the main cave and temples.
Brickfields (Little India)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kwzpwYjGDZnLRpgh6
Brickfields is not a single attraction but an entire neighborhood of shops, restaurants, homes, temples, and other buildings. It is a large Little India district within easy walking distance of the KL Sentral transportation hub and the NU Sentral Mall. It’s a place to go for a walk and poke around and find a place to eat and drink. There are some beautiful Hindu temples here and a bit of riverside life, too, in addition to the main streets.
Petaling Street Market
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/18DvaUfRn5VrYbWY7
Petaling Street Market is another attraction that needs no introduction. And, to be honest, the main market part is not that interesting unless you have a deep desire to shop for fake bags and fake shoes and fake shirts and fake watches and fake everything. However, the longer you stay here and the more you walk around the side streets and the general area, the more great places you’ll discover and uncover, including places to eat and drink.
Guan Di Temple Chinatown Tun H.S Lee
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HsiQmSAcArAhCJu9
This is one of the main temples in Chinatown and is one of the oldest temples in Malaysia. It’s located just down (or up) the street from the famous Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu temple.
BookXcess Rex KL
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/yCcQuYmYFYiStrjK7
This bookstore is part of the overall Rex KL Community Center. I don’t think many people actually buy books anymore, but there is still a great charm to a good bookstore. And BookXcess is a wonderful place to explore with its unique stacked cubes to display books and the maze-like architecture. It’s a selfie-taker’s paradise and worth dropping by.
Kwai Chai Hong
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fupFg2EvaUgCQqE77
Website: https://www.kwaichaihong.com/
This little alleyway is perhaps a bit touristy. It’s set up for convenient Instagram selfies and things like that. But it’s actually quite enjoyable. It provides a glimpse into old Kuala Lumpur. There are QR codes beside each display. Scanning them will play an audio file for each. And it’s fun to see the crowds all taking selfies and having fun. And it’s located in a neighborhood filled with classic places to eat local foods and delicacies. It’s part of Chinatown, and is an interesting area to walk around.
ICC PUDU
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uuhWkvVE9X4JZ2Wj8
ICC Pudu is a great bustling morning market for getting breakfast. I love the Pudu area.
Restoran 68 Mixed Rice
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/SSZq5HNBdWuiZiu66
This is my favorite restaurant in Pudu. It’s one of the mixed rice/economy rice places with a huge buffet. Just get a plate of rice and the help yourself to whatever other dishes you want and bring your plate to the cashier. They’ll tell you how much to pay.
River of Life
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oV1ShPHyLfmzGThq5
The River of Life project is developing the shores of the Klang River. Most people congregate at the bridge that offers a nice view of Masjid Jamek and the place where the Klang and Gombak rivers meet (the “Muddy Confluence” from which Kuala Lumpur got its name). From there you can walk along the river to the north and south. It’s also possible to ride your bicycle south along the riverside pathways all the way to the MidValley Megamall. It’s a fun ride, and you pass by some interesting sights and neighborhoods. It’s not totally smooth cycling. You have to pick your bike up from time to time to go up and down some stairs. And you have to cross some busy roads. But you can make your way by bicycle without encountering any major obstacles. And, if you want, you can check out the MegaMall before turning back. It’s actually my favorite shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur because it is geared more towards real people. It isn’t just a luxury mall selling Luis Vuitton and other luxury brands.
Thean Hou Temple (Tokong Thean Hou)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sUXmBiPFXYPV1TJ7A
Website: https://www.hainannet.com.my/
All visitors to Kuala Lumpur will stumble across all kinds of beautiful temples as they wander around. Of course, there is the Sri Maha Mariamam temple and all the beautiful Buddhist/Taoist temples in Chinatown and scattered around the city. But Thean Hou is also worth visiting if you are in the mood for more of a journey. Beautiful, expansive temple.
Taman Tugu Hiking Trails
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9HWx6br8Spmzxw7VA
Website: https://tamantugu.my/
In terms of ease of access, this is probably the best hiking in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a surprisingly nice hike, and it’s right in the heart of the city nearby all kinds of other attractions.
Bukit Gasing Hiking Trails
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iaPx1qC7FGpViAZR7
The trails at Bukit Gasing are pleasant and fairly well marked. And it’s not a big place, so you’re not going to get lost. A highlight is the hanging suspension bridge on the main trail. The trailhead is not that easy to reach by public transportation, but it is possible to walk there from the Taman Jaya station on the Kelana Jaya LRT line. But a Grab would probably be better for this one so you arrive at the trail with some spring in your steps and not already tired out and hot and sweaty.
Bukit Dinding Hiking Trails
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/J1jXSnvrkejNcyGU8
Website: https://bukitdinding.com/hiking
Bukit Dinding is a wonderful place to go for a hike. The trails are a lot more challenging than at Taman Tugu and Bukit Gasing, but they are well-marked and very enjoyable. The area has a lot of history, too. Without your own vehicle, probably the best way to get here is to walk from the Sri Rampai Station on the Kelana Jaya line.
Taman Tasik Titiwangsa (Park)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/faqTq8Q3aKtCoY7B6
Website: https://www.visitselangor.com/titiwangsa-park/
Titiwangsa Park is a grassy park with lots of running and cycling trails going around a large lake. There are paddle boats, fountain displays, a water park for kids, sports facilities, great views of the KL skyline, a canopy walkway, an RC race track, and a bunch of other things. It’s a fun place for people watching on the weekend when it’s filled with Malaysian families and groups of friends hanging out.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Memorial
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/q8cyz1LDqcHLtjis6
Website: https://www.arkib.gov.my/en/
This memorial is essentially a museum dedicated to the life of Malaysia’s founding father and first prime minister. Going there is a major crash course in the history of Malaysia, particularly the independence era. And it is part of a set of similar museums all clustered together. You can climb up onto the grassy roof of the Memorial Tun Hussein Onn and get nice views of the city. The third one is the Memorial Negarawan. Lots of great architecture here, including the home of the British Resident and the prime ministers.
Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qHHX6Ko74SddWJbPA
Website: https://museum.bnm.gov.my/v2/index.html
This is a specialty museum that focuses on money and currency. I love museums like this, and it can be interesting to check out.
National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YLeEJkDWTYHw7Dt87
Website: https://www.artgallery.gov.my/en/homepage/
Not many foreign visitors make it out here. It’s housed in a beautiful and interesting building and features a rotating and always changing set of art displays. Always something to see here. It’s also right beside the Istana Budaya, a performing arts center – a classic building.
Istana Budaya (Performing Arts Centre)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UiksDKVJ3cNRE1QX7
Website: https://istanabudaya.gov.my/
This classic building was constructed from 1995 to 1999. Not many foreigner visitors would take the time to figure out how to buy a ticket and then attend a performance here. But failing that, the building itself is an attraction for its architecture and interior design. It’s worth dropping by this place after visiting the neighboring National Art Gallery.
Light Capture Cafe by H.O.N
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JyajW7Z9oQdYLufE6
This cafe was built inside an old warehouse or industrial building, and it’s a cool place for the interior architecture – all open rusting beams and a high ceiling. You could spend money here and get a meal. Or you can just go in, sit at a table, use the QR code menu to order a Coke with ice, enjoy the atmosphere, and head out again. If you are walking around and you need a place to pop inside, sit and relax and have a cold drink and get your bearings, this place is great.
Plaza Low Yat
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vcSrpx8Jbd6zTSzV9
Website: https://plazalowyat.com/
No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without at least dropping by this large electronics market and going up and down the central escalator and taking in all the modern tech.
Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wzuMtH7HbLTDsw6KA
Classic and historic Hindu temple with a strong connection with KL’s history and the Batu Caves.
P. Ramlee Memorial House
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zzjpWEd3donXBvpj9
Website: https://www.arkib.gov.my/en/perkhidmatan/arkib-memorial/info-galeri/the-p-ramlee-memorial-library
It’s a bit out of the way and something of a niche interest, but I really enjoyed visiting the P. Ramlee museum. If you’re in the neighborhood, it’s worth dropping by. There’s even a small, intimate theater where you can watch a famous P. Ramlee movie with English subtitles.
Merdeka Square
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJgfgPuVJMCwH13C7
Merdeka Square can be visited at any time on any day. It’s central to the history of Malaysia, and there are many significant and visually striking buildings around its edges, such as the Royal Selangor Club, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Kuala Lumpur Library, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and the National Textiles Museum. However, it truly comes to life in the mid to late evening on the weekends. Lots of people come out to enjoy the cool night air with their friends and family to picnic, play with toys, rent electric scooters, and take pictures with giant robots and fluffy animals.
National Textiles Museum
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UHRRUT11qqdbNWUB7
Website: http://www.muziumtekstilnegara.gov.my/
You might think textiles are boring, but you’d be wrong. A visit to this interesting museum is very rewarding. The building alone is of interest, and the history of textiles mirrors the history and culture of Malaysia itself. Plus, there is more here than cloth on display. There are looms and an entire display of jewelry.
Bird Park
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XzvdhzzoFztYYRLy6
Website: https://www.klbirdpark.com/
The Bird Park is an expensive attraction for a backpacker at 85 ringgit (I think). But it is an interesting place. I find, however, that you have to really invest your own time and planning to get the most out of it. If you just show up, walk around, and leave, it will probably be underwhelming. But if you time it right, arrive early, and arrive for all the feedings and the performances and see all the exhibits and take your time, it is worthwhile. But it does take effort to get the most out of a visit to the Bird Park.
Butterfly Park
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/amdFRgXU2Q4uuRfs5
Website: http://www.klbutterflypark.com/
I think it costs 30 ringgit. I enjoyed my visit very much, but that’s because I have a strong interest in butterflies and insects in general. And, just like the Bird Park, it’s a place that you have to invest time in to get value out.
Petronas Twin Towers
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uWj77iQU1TJCGo2x8
Website: https://www.petronastwintowers.com.my/
The Petronas Twin Towers also hardly need to be put on any list. Everyone knows about the towers and everyone will see them at some point while staying in Kuala Lumpur. But it felt odd to leave them off my list just because it’s obvious. Maybe it’s not obvious to everyone? So, here they are. And the website is worth a visit for information and history.
KLCC Park
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VLAg6sTRoCJN6tTf9
Website: https://www.suriaklcc.com.my/attractions/klcc-park/
And, of course, there is the KLCC Park right behind the Petronas Towers. The park is pleasant to stroll around in and people watch. And there is the Lake Symphony every night featuring a performance of water, lights, and music.
Saloma Link
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AZjZcrz9mNAzEv3c7
Website: https://www.malaysia.travel/explore/saloma-bridge
Not to be missed at night, the Saloma Link bridge leads from the downtown area of KL to the more traditional neighborhood of Kampung Baru. The bridge is lit up at night with a beautiful lights changing colors. And visiting this bridge provides the opportunity to learn about the famous actress and singer Saloma and her equally famous husband, the Malaysian actor and singer P. Ramlee.
Kampung Baru
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LMi2xbfr39QBz6dN7
This neighborhood provides a taste of an older, more traditional Malaysia with the opportunity to try lots of good food.
KL Tower
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jh9ZtQ6kfBgUxFXh9
Website: https://kltower.com.my/
I think it is a no-brainer to at least walk up the access road to see the KL Tower up close. It’s interesting and fun just to visit the place even if you don’t pay to take the elevator up to the viewing platforms. That can be expensive, and if the weather is bad, you may not see much. If you have the cash, why not go up? But it’s also worthwhile to walk up the road to the base of the tower, take in the views, and walk around the area a bit.
Kuala Lumpur Eco Park
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JDUPtcEKfw1s7gfNA
The Eco Park is probably one of the main attractions of Kuala Lumpur that I don’t automatically recommend. It sits right at the base of the KL Tower, so it is easy to visit. But it now costs 40 ringgit, and I don’t think it is worth it. It used to be free. If you want to hike around a bit, you’re probably better off going to Taman Tugu, Bukit Dinding, or Bukit Gasing.
National Mosque
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PpD28yMzXMPFP24M8
Website: https://masjidnegara.gov.my/ms/
This is a beautiful mosque to visit. Just walking around the mosque and the exterior grounds is pleasant. It’s also possible to go inside, but this is happens only at set times and you are provided with appropriate clothing to enter. I’ve never actually done a tour of the interior, but it would likely be interesting.
Masjid India
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KbcqCMyatEy2fKr59
This beautiful mosque offer guided tours in English at set times. It’s a very interesting experience.
Masjid Wilayah Persekutuan (The Federal Territory Mosque)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/5wtWWbhQfGvRdN3B6
For ease of access and familiarity, a lot of visitors will visit the National Mosque. But don’t forget about this mosque. A truly amazing place worth visiting.
Royal Malaysian Police Museum
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ws3FtYkoixxS8uu28
This is a rarely visited museum. But, again, if you are in the neighborhood, it is worth popping in to look around. It features a lot of information about the “Emergency”, which is a key part of Malaysian history.
The Exchange TRX
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/36NpuYzjr8rzniYs6
Website: https://www.theexchange.my/
This is a highlight of mall culture in Kuala Lumpur along with The Pavillion, Berjaya Times Square, Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Sungei Wang Plaza, and 1 Utama Shopping Centre. All those malls are worth visiting, but I believe The Exchange TRX is the newest luxury shopping mall in KL. It’s worth checking out just for the outdoor park on the rooftop and the views of skyscraper skyline.
Burger Boss
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/647svrjdQ87J7Jc48
For the classic Ramly Burger experience. It seems that no YouTuber can escape Kuala Lumpur without featuring a struggle with at least one saucy and gooey Ramly burger. It seems that many YouTubers end up here at Boss Burger. I’ve had lots of Ramly burgers but never one from here. A lot of the local Ramly burger outlets that I frequented had odd hours and they were often closed. This one seems to have regular hours, and if you go at the right time, you can get your Ramly burger experience.
Jalan Alor Food Street
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F67NK5kYNA2tJhhQ8
This food street, which comes to life at night, is often featured in YouTube travel vlogger videos. It’s bright and full of life and people. And it’s a place where beer is openly available and advertised. It offers all the great food of Malaysia, but with what I see as a Western atmosphere. I’ve walked by it or near it many times, day and night, but it’s never been of much interest to me. I dislike the hard sell of the restaurants as you walk by as they compete for customers. But it looks like a fun place to check out, particularly if you have group of friends together.
Pasar Malam Taman Connaught (Taman Connaught Night Market)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AfvPozFqMFenpDVq9
This night market is open only one night a week: on Wednesday night from around 5 p.m. until 1 a.m. It is known as the longest night market and stretches for between 1 and 2 kilometers along a single road. The estimates of its length online varies. In any event, it is quite long. One issue with it for visitors might be that it is relatively remote and not easy to get to by public transportation.
Putrajaya
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bktF2Gko28bKuNNv8
Technically, Putrajaya is a completely separate city, so it’s not a Kuala Lumpur attraction. However, many people go there from KL as a day trip. There are many attractions there, such as the Putra Mosque, the Seri Wawasan Bridge, and the Putrajaya Botanical Garden, all spread along the green shores of the Putrajaya Lake. A visit there is all about the beauty of the lakeshore area and taking in the architecture of the mosques and government buildings.
Pulau Ketam (Crab Island)
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tgWYgeq4P4wyVGyQ7
This place is also outside of Kuala Lumpur, but it can be reached relatively easily from the ferry dock at Port Klang. Getting there involves taking the KTM train from Kuala Lumpur to the Port Klang station (the terminal stop of that train). The ferry dock is right across the road from the train station. You just stroll there and get a ticket for the next boat out to Pulau Ketam. It’s a popular tourist island and there is lots of potential there for simply taking in the vibe and strolling around. You can stay overnight as there is lots of accommodation on the island, or you could make it a day trip. Either way, it’s a fun trip as it involves a train ride, a ferry port, and then a short trip on a ferry boat. Pulau Ketam might even qualify as one of Kuala Lumpur’s “hidden gems” because few foreign visitors know about it and even fewer make the time to go there.
Restaurants and Markets
I haven’t listed many restaurants or markets mainly because there are far too many of them. The possibilities for checking out new restaurants and food courts is endless. And I’m not an expert when it comes to food. It’s easy to just find your own places and have your own “foodie” experiences.